Hello, @cskippy.

Between the radiation to my throat area for a cancerous tumor of the pyriform sinus (near the vocal cords) and developing severe COVID-19 during the radiation sessions, my vocal cords became paralyzed.

Trying to lie still with that fitted mask while the beam did its "magic" was a nightmare because the COVID-19 made me so sick with severe coughing. Afterward, for an entire year, it felt like being underwater because it was so hard to breathe. All the mucus was trapped behind those closed vocal cord doors. It is a absolute miracle I made it to the surgery for a tracheotomy! The tube in my throat has been a true miracle, really.

The doctors initially wanted me to remain on a feeding tube, but when it fell out, that was that! My therapist instructed me with throat exercises and even brought in some Italian pasta one day. It tasted so incredibly good—it made me completely determined to eat.

Now, I eat and drink everything. Praise be to God.

Thank you for asking.